Estrogel

[glassd18]

Well I finally saw the endocrinologist, and he has put me on Estrogel, and will give me Ayestin (progesterone) (sp?) only every three months so that I menstruate. I'm so done trying to find a progesterone that didn't bother my bladder so he said this should do the trick. I can handle once every three months. (I think)!! I had my Estrogen and FSH levels tested today. He did not test any other hormone. He is a specialist in fertility, and menopause.

[sami4]

Ayestin

You might do pretty well with Ayestin. I did. I couldnt take any of the other progestins or progesterones especially Prometrium, but Ayestin didnt seem to bother me much. Ayestin is from the testosterone family not the yam family and maybe that was why.
Sammi

[glassd18]

Thanks Sami, This md knew about IC too, and also knew my uro so that was good although I didn't tell him that I'm not so happy with my uro, and decided to try someone else!!!

[glassd18]

Just in passing, the endocrinologist did not think that me changed hormone therapies had anything to do with me getting IC even though it happened exactly when I switched from Prempro Low Dose to Estrace and Prometrium. He thought it was coincidental. After reading here on the site about so many hormone stories I beg to differ!! What do you think?

[sami4]

Prempo

Glassed, you know I consider Prempo a dangerous drug. I think it should be taken off the market due to the Provera that is in it. Provera was the reason they stopped the Nurses study on BC. Research on Provera for the past 10 years has not been good, and why the FDA dont yank it off is beyond my understanding. As for the Premarin, because it is has so many unknown products in it from the horse urine, and because it causes so much estrone, the bad estrogen to be metabolized in the body, I wouldnt take that either.
If you were not Premarin it could have been part of the cause of bladder problems, or it could be that you were used to a much stronger estrogenic compound and when they switched you they gave you too low a dose?
Prometrium, and other types of progestins such as Levonorgetrel, and some of the newer ones in Yasmin BC pill are all a little different chemically. Maybe Prometrium just isnt for you and you need another type of progestin, just stay away from Provera. Ayestin, Levonorgetrel are both from the testosterone family and usually dont wreak the havoc in IC sufferers like some of the others. Also remember if you dont have enough of an estrogen dose on board, any P will effect you.
I just had an interesting personal experience. For about two years I have been having a problem with post menopausal bleeding, probably fibroids which I am full of. They tried every combo on earth to cork me up to no avail. In the meantime I developed vulvadynia every time I took any type of progesterone. The thinking was dont give her more than 1mg of estrogen or it will make the fibroids act up more. Well, finally I had enough of the bull and went to see a excellent laproscopic surgeon here in Phoenix and told her to yank the damn thing out. Now, the MIrena IUD has stopped the bleeding, but I want more estrogen, which I cant have for fear of upsetting the fibroids.
She put in some estrogen pellets and I am having a hyster on March 13th, so we dont care if it starts the bleeding. Guess what? I have not had one single episode of vulvadynia at all-zero-none. Why? Because I am getting a higher estrogen dose, and the nerve endings are fat and happy.
With this much higher E level, I maybe could tolerate P, but I sure couldnt when I had less E on board.
Sammi

[glassd18]

Very interesting. I hope your hyster goes well Sammi!! I too was told that I could have mine yanked out if I wanted. I have a fibroid too, and funny enough it is near my bladder, but the experts (lolololo) say that it is too small to be effecting anything. We'll see how it goes!!

[sami4]

PG with fibroids

Glassed:
So, just for kicks ask the Gyno what size your uterus is because of the fibroid in pregnancy weeks? I have a uterus the size of 8 week pregnancy due to the fibroids. Now, it is only logical that any uterine enlargement will have some effect on muscles, pelvic floor, and bladder if the uterus is at all slightly prolapsed (which most are after kids).
Sammi

[glassd18]

Good point!! I'm suppose to have an ultra sound or some other test at my 2 month follow up to check the lining of my uterus. I'll ask then.